The Leyland Lion is starting to take shape

Work on Leyland’s newest pub is taking shape with less than a month to go until it officially opens.

The Leyland Lion will be opening its doors in the former Post Office on Hough Lane on October 18 with the creation of 40 new jobs - and locals say the move can’t come soon enough.

The pub giant has put in plans for new signs at the front of the building, including a hanging sign with a model Leyland Lion bus.

Coun Derek Forrest, who represents the Leyland Central ward at South Ribble Council, and also has business Solicitor Direct on Hough Lane, said he was keen to see more people visiting Leyland’s main shopping street, especially near the Churchill Way roundabout.

He said: “Certainly down this end of town we are looking forward to Wetherspoons being finished.

“We are quite keen for a bit of attention down here and I think the town will benefit from this.

“Anything that brings footfall down to this end is good news and the number of new jobs this will create is significant.”

Coun Forrest did however say he had some concerns over how other licensed premises would react to the opening.

The new plans submitted by Wetherspoons include a large sign across the front of the building, as well as four hanging signs and designs for the bus theme to run right through the Leyland Lion, including on menus and notice boards.

Coun Caleb Tomlinson, who also represents Leyland Central, said: “It is very nice to see Wetherspoons thinking about the history of Leyland.

“They have taken time to investigate what Leyland is about and have some up with a name and a theme that is meaningful to the town.”

Coun Tomlinson said he hoped any fears raised by neighbours would be put at ease after the official opening in just over four weeks.

He said: “Obviously we have some neighbours who live in the vicinity and who weren’t too happy when the plans were originally passed.

“I explained to them about how reputable Wetherspoons are and how it would attract people into Leyland and how they don’t play music.

“I think it is a good thing for Leyland, and it will be a good thing for the older generation who will use it as a place to meet.”

A spokesperson for Wetherspoons said: “Anyone interested in applying for any of the 40 positions should visit www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk, and also keep a look out for jobs being advertised in the local Job Centre.